The final preparation for the upcoming Iron Challenge tournament went well yesterday. I decided to stick with the 4-iron for all tee-offs (except the Par 3s) and second shots instead of using the 3-iron.
After I changed the grip, the iron felt more comfortable. Generally, ball striking with all the other irons was good, so I’m pleased. Distances are optimized once I slow down the upswing before striking the ball.
The putting still needs work because the greens on the Hills course are very different from the Lakes, and I’m not used to it. However, there’s no more window to practice, so I hope my judgment and putting ability will prevail. The Spider Mini is in the bag for the game.
I enjoy the Iron Challenge tournament because it tests my ability to use all the irons in the bag. Sometimes, when I depend too much on the woods and hybrid clubs, I forget how to handle especially the long irons. Participating in this tournament reels me back.
I’m looking forward to enjoying the outing and hope to return with a positive performance for the stroke-play game on Sunday. Wish me luck!
The LPGA Tour returns to Malaysia after a six-year absence, and I’m excited about it! Right in our backyard instead of on TV in another continent far away. Yesterday, hubby and I joined many golfing enthusiasts to watch the Day One of the tournament at KLGCC. What an experience!
However, I have to admit that the day did not start well. We opted to take public transport instead of driving directly to the venue for the tournament. Unfortunately, we waited for quite some time for the courtesy van. There was no proper pick-up point signage at the MRT stop. We ended up hailing a ride instead. But being at the venue made up for this little cumbersome detail.
A delight to see Rose Zhang at the Par 3, Hole 15
It was surreal to see all the LPGA players in person, although not quite as close but enough. We stayed at the Par 4, Hole 14, and Par 3, Hole 15 most of the time because they were side by side and had a great view. Separately, it was too hot to venture to the other holes. It was weird to see a call-on situation for a Par 4. Hole 14 was 364 yards (333 meters) but reachable for these pros.
The Par 4, Hole 14 was crowded with two flights for the call-on situation
Typically, a call-on would be on a Par 3, where the flight in front would step aside to allow the flight behind to tee off because of the short distance. But this was a Par 4, 364 yards, no less. Yet, several times, the call-on was initiated because these ladies could put their balls on the green! Some even flew past the green.
Atthaya Thitikul assessing her tee-off plugged ball several feet off the green at Hole 14.
We saw many birdies made on that hole, and it was very entertaining. But when they landed their balls in the rough, it wasn’t an issue. They were able to recover and make par. I learned a new thing or two from watching their approach strategy.
The thing that amazed me most was their putting. Every single player that I saw made putting so easy. I wish I could do the same, or at least half of their ability. My putting is, ugh, a constant battle.
Nellie Korda was all smiles with her one putt for a birdie on Hole 14.
Sadly, I did not attend Day Two of the tournament this morning, and on Saturday, I have a game lined up. I hope I have been inspired enough by the LPGA pro ladies to play a good round of golf or return with some good putting stats.
Now that we are back in town, I wonder if I should play my next golf game using only nine clubs instead of 14. Hmm. Well, I could still bring 14 clubs but stick to this new game plan of using only nine. Driver off the deck again instead of the 3-wood for my second shots on a long Par 5? Hahaha, how fun!
But even then, when I had nine clubs, I did not use all of them. I used a maximum of five clubs! When there are fewer choices to consider, the mistakes are lesser. Will I learn from this and play better golf?
As for putting, I am reverting to the TaylorMade Spider Mini putter again. The Peanut Putter has not been kind to me with several three-putts during the rounds up North. So we’ll see, a tweak here and there to improve further.
A lighter bag it won’t be until my next outstation trip, but let’s hope the golf outing will be good. And I hope my putting will be better now that the Spider Mini is in the bag again.
Golf is a very trying game at times. One day, you’d play like a seasoned golfer, but the next round, like a beginner. In other words, it’s unpredictable.
Putting with the TaylorMade Spider Mini of late has been very aggravating. When I acquired the putter not too long ago, I was putting very well with it. However, after several games, my putting skills have been on a downtrend – recording more three-putts than ever!
However, today’s game is not about putting misery. It’s the sand bunkers. You could call me the Bunker Specialist today! Aggravating is the word of the day to describe my sentiments. I went into the bunker seven times today for seven holes! Hrmph.
Let’s hope I will fare better for the next game, and I do not wish to be a Bunker Specialist again. As for putting, the Spider Mini will be retired until further notice, making way for the Peanut Putter to return to action.
I finally played my first golf game after laying off for a month due to my recent medical issues. All’s good with me now, and off to the golf course yesterday. Although it was only nine holes (I did not want to exert myself too much), put it this way – it certainly was not an impressive return! Hahaha.
All the muscle memory to hit the little dimpled ball was gone. The tee-off was wayward, and the second and third shots were all short. I have lost the power and strength to compress the ball to fly it. Hmm, a few more games should suffice to fix this, methinks.
The short game was decent simply because I started chipping in the garden for distances between three to 10 feet several days ago. Putting with the new TaylorMade Spider Mini putter was not too bad. There were more one-putts than two-putts, so this is good.
The outcome of my first game post-medical procedure is expected, non-impressive, and trying. I should not be demoralized and take heart that at least the short game and putting saved me some blushes. I should be back on track after a few more games!
Every day I was on the prowl looking for the TaylorMade Spider Mini putter. I was determined to get it, come what may. Perhaps it can bring better fortune and lesser or no three putts?
Thankfully, my search did not last too long. I stumbled upon the Spider Mini on a Singapore buying/selling site instead of a location further, thus saving time and shipping costs. The condition of the pre-loved putter is almost mint. Wow, what a godsend find!
My new baby! 🥰
I enlisted my cousin to close the deal on my behalf, and bless her; we lucked out with an additional 20 percent discount off the listed price. Yay! Every dollar counts because the Singapore dollar is much stronger than the Malaysian Ringgit.
And my dear cousin brought it along when she flew in to visit during the Lunar New Year festive holiday break. So now I have another beautiful red putter to add to my collection. The best part of this latest acquisition, it’s a 32-inch putter, just like my Peanut Putter. I love it!
It’s been a month now since I last played golf. I am sure my muscle memory is all gone for the game. Oh well, better be healthy than risk any further problems.
When I am fully recovered and able to play golf again, this latest red Spider Mini putter will be in the bag instead of the Peanut or Scotty putters. I can’t wait.
Angieneering 
Remarks